Multi-unit packet



Jan. 1, 1963 D. P. DORAN MULTI-UNIT PACKET 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 29, 1959 mw D 5 d m! 4TTORNE Y Jan. 1, 1963 D. P. DORAN 3,071,244

MULTI-UNIT PACKET iled. Sept. 29, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.5

INVENTOR. flonafdfipomn IA'TTORNEVY Unitfll rates dfi llfi l l Patented .lan. l, 1963 3,671,244 MULTl-UNlT PACKET Donald P. Duran, Nashua, Nlli. (111i rllairmont Ave, Decatur, tGa.) Filed Sept. 29, 1959, Ser. No. 843,266 5 Claims. ((3. 2lld-d5.3l)

This invention relates to the art of packaging and, more particularly, to an improved and simplified multi-unit packet containing a plurality of articles, such as cigarette packages or the like.

My instant invention has wide application. It is especially useful in connection with cigarette packages. Accordingly and by way of illustration, the ensuing discussion and description are directed to applications of the invention to packets containing a plurality of cigarette packages.

It is generally the practice to ship and store cigarette packages in cartons. Conventional cigarette cartons ordinarily hold ten packages, each containing twenty ciga rettes. The packages are usually arranged in two relatively superposed rows of five packages each. Such cartons completely encase the cigarette packages and are provided with glued flaps.

At present, a total of 41 States require application of a State tax stamp to each package of cigarettes that is sold in the corresponding State. In addition, a number of municipalities and the District of Columbia also require application of municipal tax stamps to packages of cigarettes sold within those municipalities. With conventional cigarette cartons, the distributor or jobber in such a State or municipality unseals the glued flap of each carton, opens the carton, applies the tax stamp to each package of cigarettes and then recloses and reseals the carton. This is not only time consuming, laborious and expensive but may also result in damage to the packages due to improper handling. Furthermore, in the event a tax inspector desires to inspect the contents of one or more cartons, the dealer is required to again unseal the glued flap of each carton under inspection and reseal the carton after inspection is completed. Thus the cartons and their contents are frequently subjected to repeated expensive handling and possible damage.

The multi-unit packet of this invention is so constructed and arranged as to obviate the dificulties experienced heretofore with conventional cigarette cartons. For one thing, the packet permits ready application of tax stamps or impressions of such stamps on individual packages without the necessity of opening its carton or holder. The stamps, after they are applied, are exposed and visible at all times and may be readily checked by a tax inspector without any need for disturbing the holder or individual pa :kages.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved, simplified and economical multi-unit packet for cigarettes and other articles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiunit packet consisting of a holder or carton and a plurality of packages of cigarettes which are so constructed and arranged that tax stamps may be easily and quickly applied to the individual packages without in any way disturbing the holder or the packages.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiunit packet which may be readily inspected by a tax inspector to determine whether the individual packages thereof bear required tax stamps Without in any way disturbing the packet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiunit packet, the contents of which are not disturbed from the time of manufacture until they reach the consumer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiunit packet that afiords excellent display and advertising possibilities for merchandise contained therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multiunit packet which may be readily separated into a pair of smaller packets.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a packet of the character indicated that is simple and attractive in design, that is sturdy and durable in construction, that is inexpensive in material and assembly costs and that is capable of performing its intended functions in a wholly satisfactory manner.

The foregoing objects and additional objects, together with the advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which respectively describe and illustrate several forms of multi-unit packets embodying the invention.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a holder is made for one form of packet according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of a multi-unit packet employing a holder which is made from the blank shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, and are illustrative of another form of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 also correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, and are illustrative of still another form of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is another isometric view of the packet shown in FIG. 6 and illustrates the parts thereof in another relative position, certain parts being omitted for better illustration of other parts.

Referring initially to the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a blank Bl which is made of a foldable sheet material, such as a suitable weight and grade of appropriate paperboard. The blank is divided by a plurality of parallel fold lines to define a central panel is, a pair of side panels ill and a pair of flaps The blank is preferably rounded at its corners, as indicate at E'lCl'l side panel 11 is hinged to the central panel along a fold line 14 and each flap 12 is hinged to its side panel along a fold line 15. One face of each flap is coated with a suitable adhesive 16. The blank is provided with a transverse line of weakness l7 midway between its ends.

Blank Bl is adapted to be bent along its fold lines to form a holder li-l which is adapted to receive, embrace and retain a plurality of cigarette packages 18, as shown in FIG. 2. The cigarette packages, preferably ten in number, are arranged aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes. The cigarette packages are placed on central panel it in the manner shown, with one end 19 at the top. This end is preferably the end to which a tax stamp is normally applied. The parts of the blank are then bent so that side panels ll bear against the sides of the cigarette packages and flaps l2 overlie package ends 19 and are aflixed thereto by adhesive 16. It is to be understood that the flaps may be secured to the cigarettes by other means known to the art in place of the adhesive.

The arrangement of holder 1-1-2. and cigarette packages shown in FIG. 2 constitutes one form of multi-unit packet of this invention. It will be observed that the major portion of the surface area of the package ends 19 is exposed and unobstructed. This permits of ready application of a tan stamp or an approved inted impression of such stamp to package ends 19 without any need for opening and then rescaling the holder. Moreover,

sprin sa the packet affords display of the end cigarette packages while they are still contained in the holder. Additionally, advertising material may be placed on the outer surface of the several panels and flaps.

In the completed packet shown in FIG. 2, weakened line 17 lies in a plane that is coincident with the abutting surfaces of the central pair of cigarette packages. This weakened line permits the packet to be separated therealong into a pair of like packets, each containing a total of five cigarette packages. advantage over conventional cartons and is desirable in instances where a customer may wish to purchase half a carton of cigarettes instead of a full carton or a single package at one time.

Reference is next had to FIGS. 3 and 4 which illustrate another form of the invention. This form includes a holder H-Z, which corresponds to holder 1-1-3. and which is made from a blank B2 (PEG. 3). Blank 13-2 is similar to blank -5. and consists of a foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, which is divided by a plurality of parallel fold lines to define a central panel 269 and a pair of side panels 21. As shown, each side panel 21 is hinged to central panel along a fold line 22. The marginal portions of the side panels are provided with adhesive, as indicated at 23. Blank B2 is provided with a weakened 24, corresponding to line ll? of blank 13-1.

The packet shown in FIG. 4 is similar to that of FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, side panels 21 are secured to the upper portions of the sides of the cigarette packages by adhesive 23 or in any other manner known to the art. The packet of FIG. 4 leaves the entire end surfaces 19 of the cigarette packages exposed for reception of a tax stamp or an authorized printed impression of such stamp. As in the case of the earlier described packet, the packet of FIG. 4 may be readily separated along weakened line 24 to obtain a pair of packets, each containing five cigaret packages.

5, 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention which will now be described. This embodiment utilizes a blank B3 (FIG. 5) to form holder H49 (FIG. 6). Blank l33 is similar to blank B4 and consists of a foldable sheet material which is divided by a plurality of parallel fold lines to defined a central panel 25, a pair of side panels 26 and 27 and a pair of flaps 28 and 29 As shown, side panel 26 is hinged to central panel along a fold line 3%, side panel 27' is hinged to the central panel along a fold line 31, flap at; is hinged to side panel 26- along a fold line 323 and flap 29 is hinged to side panel 27 along a fold. line 33. The flaps are provided with an adhesive coating, as indicated at 34. Blank B3 is, up to this point, the same as blank B4.

Within the peripheral confines of panel 26 is a pair of spaced, aligned fold lines 35. Each of a pair of generally parallel lines of weakness as extends inwardly from the outer edge of the panel 26 to and beyond a corresponding fold line 35. A out line 37 constitutes an extension of eac line 3d and terminates at fold line 3%. A tab 38 is defined in part by cut lines 39, and 41 which are spaced apart as illustrated, whereby the tab is normally maintained intact and in coplanar relationship with the remainder of panel 26.

The parts of the multi-unit packet shown in FIG. 6 are initially assembled and united in the same manner as the packet of FIG. 2. The portion of panel as which lies between weakened lines as may be separated by the retailer from the remainder of that panel and tab 38 may be separated from that panel along lines 39, 4d and ill. The central portion of panel as may then be folded along lines and disposed in the relative position shown in FIG. 7 to obtain an upstanding panel which may be provided with advertising or display material.

The packet shown in F168. 6 and 7 may be provided with a weakened line, corresponding to line 17 of FIG.

This presents an important 2, to permit ready separation of the packet into a pair of smaller packets, each containing five packages of cigarettes.

it will e appreciated from an examination of the drawings that the several holder constructions illustrated therein require considerably less paperboard than conventional cartons. In fact, certain holders according to the invention, including holder H-Z (FIG. 4), require only 57 percent of the paperboard material needed for ordinary cigarette cartons. This results in a saving of 43 percent in material alone and corresponding substantial savings in handling and transportation costs. Moreover, the holders, by virtue of their simplicity, lend themselves to ready and economical manufacture, rapid assembly of completed packets and prompt removal of individual cigarette packages at the retail level.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the objects, construction and advantages of my present invention will be readily comprehended by persons skilled in the art, without further description. Although the invention has been herein shown and described in several simple and practicable forms, it is recognized that certain parts or elements thereof are representatives of other parts or elements which may be used in substantially the same manner to accomplish substantially the same results. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope and protection of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a muitiunit packet, a holder for a plurality of packages of cigarettes or the like that are arranged in aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes, said holder being made from a blank of a foldable sheet material comprising a central panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of flaps, each side panel being hinged to a corresponding side of the central panel, each flap being hinged to the side of a corresponding side panel which is remote from the central anel, said central panel bearing against one end of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, each side panel bearing against a corresponding side of each of' the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, both flaps bearing against the end of each package which is remote from the central panel and being secured thereto, said flaps being spaced apart thereby exposing at least a portion of an end of each package, said holder being open at its ends.

2. In a multi-unit packet, a holder for a plurality of packages of cigarettes or the like that are arranged in aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes, said holder being made from a blank of a foldable sheet material comprising a central panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of flaps, each side panel being hinged to a corresponding side of the central panel, each flap being hinged to the side of a corresponding side panel which is remote from the central panel, said central panel bearing against one end of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, each side panel bearing against a corresponding side of each of the packages and being substantially c0extensive therewith, both flaps bearing against the end of each package which is remote from the central panel and being secured thereto, said flaps being spaced apart thereby exposing at least a portion of an end of each package, said holder being open at its ends and being provided with a weakened line extending across each of its said panels and flaps and lying in a plane that is substantially coincident with the abutting surfaces of a pair of the packages, said line of weakness permitting separation of the packet into a pair of packets along said plane.

3. In a multi-unit packet, a holder for a plurality of packages of cigarettes or the like that are arranged in aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes, said holder being made from a blank of a foldable sheet material comprising a central panel, first and second side panels hinged to corresponding sides of the central panel, a first flap hinged to the side of the first panel which is remote from the central panel and a second flap hinged to the side of the second side panel which is remote from the central panel, the first flap and first side panel being provided with a pair of spaced and generally parallel weakened lines which extend inwardly from the free side edge of the first flap, a pair of spaced and aligned fold lines formed in the first side panel, each fold line extending from one of said pair of weakened lines toward the other weakened line, a tab formed in said first side panel and extending from the adjacent ends of said fold lines toward the central panel, said central panel bearing against one end of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, each side panel bearing against a corresponding side of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, both flaps bearing against the end of each package which is remote from the central panel and being secured thereto, said flaps being spaced apart thereby exposing at least a portion of an end of each package, said holder being open at its ends, the portion of the first flap and the first side panel between the weakened lines being adapted to be separated from the remainder thereof and folded along said fold lines.

4. In a multi-unit packet, a holder for a plurality of packages of cigarettes or the like that are arranged in aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes, said holder being made from a blank of a foldable sheet material comprising a central panel, first and second side panels hinged to corresponding sides of the central panel, a first flap hinged to the side of the first panel which is remote form the central panel and a second flap hinged to the side of the second side panel which is remote from the central panel, the first fiap and first side panel being provided with a pair of spaced and generally parallel weakened lines which extend inwardly from the free side edge of the first flap, said first side panel being provided with a pair of cut lines which extend from each of said pair of weakened lines to the central panel, a pair of spaced and aligned fold lines formed in the first side panel, each fold line extending from one of said pair of weakened lines toward the other weakened line, a tab formed in said first side panel and extending from the adjacent ends of said fold lines toward the central panel, said central panel bearing against one end of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, each side panel bearing against a corresponding side of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, both flaps bearing against the end of each package which is remote from the central panel and being se cured thereto, said flaps being spaced apart thereby exposing at least a portion of an end of each package, said holder being open at its ends, the portion of the first flap and the first side panel between the weakened lines being adapted to be separated from the remainder thereof and folded along said fold lines.

5. In a multi-unit packet, a holder for a plurality of packages of cigarettes or the like that are arranged in aligned and abutting relationship with their sides and ends disposed in corresponding planes, said holder being made from a blank of a fcldable sheet material comprising a central panel, first and second side panels hinged to corresponding sides of the central panel, a first flap hinged to the side of the first panel which is remote from the central panel and a second flap hinged to the side of the second side panel which is remote from the central panel, the first flap and first side panel being provided with a pair of spaced and generally parallel weakened lines which extend inwardly from the free side edge of the first flap, a pair of spaced and aligned fold lines formed in the first side panel, each fold line extending from one of said pair or" weakened lines toward the other weakened line, a tab formed in said first side panel and extending from the adjacent ends or" said fold lines toward the central panel, said central panel bearing against one end of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, each side panel bearing against a corresponding side of each of the packages and being substantially coextensive therewith, both flaps bearing against the end of each package which is remote from the central panel and being secured thereto, said flaps being spaced apart thereby exposing at least a portion of an end of each package, said holder being open at its ends and being provided with a weakened line extending across each of its said panels and flaps and lying in a plane that is substantially coincident with the abutting surfaces of a pair of the packages, said line of weakness permitting separation of the packet into a pair of packets along said plane, the portion of the first flap and the first side panel between the pair of weakened lines being adapted to be separated from the remainder thereof and folded along said fold lines.

References tilted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,026,050 Reber May 14, 1912 1,070,958 Harrington Aug. 19, 1913 1,578,066 Bolingbroke Mar. 23, 1926' 2,408,616 Eldredge Oct. 1, 1946 2,752,037 Vogt June 26, 1956 2,779,526 Vogt Jan. 29, 1957 2,895,601 Krukonis July 21, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 537,852 Great Britain July 9, 1941 764,356 France Mar. 5, 1934 OTHER REFERENCES Modern Packaging Encyclopedia (publication), 1950 edition, page 223, photograph No. 4 and description No. 4 therefor. (Copy found in Division 40.) 

1. IN A MULTI-UNIT PACKET, A HOLDER FOR A PLURALITY OF PACKAGES OF CIGARETTES OR THE LIKE THAT ARE ARRANGED IN ALIGNED AND ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR SIDES AND ENDS DISPOSED IN CORRESPONDING PLANES, SAID HOLDER BEING MADE FROM A BLANK OF A FOLDABLE SHEET MATERIAL COMPRISING A CENTRAL PANEL, A PAIR OF SIDE PANELS AND A PAIR OF FLAPS, EACH SIDE PANEL BEING HINGED TO A CORRESPONDING SIDE OF THE CENTRAL PANEL, EACH FLAP BEING HINGED TO THE SIDE OF A CORRESPONDING SIDE PANEL WHICH IS REMOTE FROM THE CENTRAL PANEL, SAID CENTRAL PANEL BEARING AGAINST ONE END OF EACH OF THE PACKAGES AND BEING SUBSTANTIALLY COEXTENSIVE THEREWITH, EACH SIDE PANEL BEARING AGAINST A CORRESPONDING SIDE 